Thieves nab copper wire, equipment from Verizon; reward offered

After a recent spree of thefts targeting $300,000 worth of copper wire and equipment from its facilities throughout the state, Verizon is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the thieves.

Thieves have taken copper wire and laptops from Verizon work centers in Bel Air; Brooklyn; Churchville; Edgewood; Fork; Hampstead; Jarrettsville; North East; Owings Mills; Parkton; Randallstown; Sparks; and Taneytown from May through August, Verizon officials said Thursday.

In the early hours of July 23, thieves cut a hole in the fence at Verizon's facility at 1820 Forest Drive in Annapolis and drove a white van in through the hole, filling it with stolen drills, test meters, miscellaneous testing equipment and splicing machines, Verizon officials said. Equipment including hand tools and fiber installation was also stolen from thieves at facilities in Rockville and Lanham.

Verizon urges anyone with information about these suspects or crimes to contact the police or Verizon's Security Control Center at 800-997-3287.